June 25, 2005

For the summer I have an amazing opportunity to work with a lucky few children who are part of a growing problem at home in Canada and a persistent and dreadful epidemic throughout the world. This summer I'll be working with some of the poorest children from around Canada. Some of these children come from homes, but not necessarily a house or even an apartment, where the income is so far below the poverty line they don't get the chance to eat three, maybe even twice a day. While I have just finished my training, the reality begins tomorrow. The thoughts that have been running through my head have been too numerous to write, but the most pressing thought has been a question; why? Why do these children live in such a state? Why are they allowed to be in such a condition? Why are they being left behind? Why do we too often turn a blind eye?The problem is easily recognized. The problem exists because our governments are too concerned with their own well-being and the well-being of those that fund their campaigns. While it has finally been recognized that the policies of neo-liberalism/neo-conservatism (depending on who's writing) and globalization do not work in the real world, we stand on the edge of vaccuum where we need to recognize that the policies of yesterday have all but destroyed the lives of many people. At this moment we are starting to once again realize that the public, social good can no longer be a subject of economics, but rather economics must be a subject of the public. But we are not realizing this fast enough, and while we march into the vacuum left behind by the failed ideology/idealism of globalism we need to step up and take hold of our future. If we do not, those that have been left behind will continue to grow no matter what steps we take to redefine our blank future and the result will be continued, if not greater, unstability for our future. The time is now for us to take steps to create stability, to take control of our greatest social issues, both at home and abroad, and make a difference in our lives and the lives of others.recommended websites:http://www.makepovertyhistory.cahttp://www.one.orgrecommended reading:The Collapse of Globalism by John Ralston Saul

June 01, 2005

Most people at some point have heard the famous statement from Lord Acton, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely"; and this statement is no less true today than it was over a century ago when he wrote it down. The best examples are seen all over the world, from communist regimes, to military totalitarian and even in the greatest western democratic states. Even the great white north is re-examining it's own leadership and how it has been corrupted by power, or at least the desire for power. See, while countries like the U.S. actually watch their leader abuse his power, our leadership, who don't technically hold power at the moment, are seduced by the mere idea that they may get it. This is a problem with at least two federal leaders, Martin and Harper.Martin's path to the dark side began probably around the time Chretien took power. It is no small secret that for years Martin desired Chretien's job. It is even less of a secret that he intentionally began to divide the party between his supporters and Chretien's. People in the Liberal party were easily seduced by Martin's strong economic record as Finance Minister and his well laid out plans for the future of the party and our country. At a leadership conference in Ottawa,he and his supporters spoke of renewal. Renewal was going to take the Liberals into a whole new arena of policy and popularity - at least that's what we were told. After hearing him speak on several occasions I grew wary of his message. This is not because I didn't think the ideas were solid but because Martin began to sound like a robot; his speeches seemed to be more about buzz-words and platitudes than genuine ideas. This is what confirmed in my mind that Martin had spent way too long seeking power over the Liberal party and aiming for the PMO that his vision became clouded by his desire for power rather than being corrupted by actual power. To top it all off, when he finally did get power he practically banished anyone in the party that stood against him in any capacity, including many excellent politicians.

This is essentially where Harper is now. He has been trying and been left wanting for power for way too long. He is a man that will say anything and do anything to try and obtain the PMO. He helped orchestrate the demise of the Progressive-Conservative Party only to obtain their name and their support. He refuses to release an official platform of the party for fear of exposing many of the short-sighted views of his party, especially in terms of social policy. He publicly supports moderate policies, many that are based on Liberal and NDP positions, but behind closed doors marginalizes the moderates within his party. He is a man that has begun to show contempt and anger about his position in Canadian politics, even to the point that he is willing to snap at children during public photo-ops. At this point, we can no longer believe that Harper has the publics' interest in mind. He may believe he does, but much like Martin, he has been longing for power so long that that desire is all he now knows, whether he knows it or not.

Don't take this as a rant about Harper and Martin, but rather a problem that seems to be everywhere in Canadian politics, and probably in many places. Jacques Parizeau had the same problem and definitely made himself known after he lost the referendum. Dalton McGuinty has also shown he spent too long seeking power and losing sight of his vision. I would even go as far as saying that Howard Hampton is probably on the cusp of this problem. It is an unfortunate but inevitable problem that seems to swallow many good and strong politicians in Canada. Ultimately, it is the public that loses out because often the views and visions of these politicians could do a lot of good for the public and help progress Canada into the future. However, when this problem sets in these visions take a back seat to ideas on how to maintain the obtained power.

"First it is necessary to stand on your own two feet. But the minute a man finds himself in that position, the next thing he should do is reach out his arms. " ~ Kristin Hunter

"When you're a mayor and you have a problem you blame the provincial government. If you are provincial government and you have a problem you blame the federal government. We don't blame the Queen any more, so once in a while we might blame the Americans." ~ Jean Chretien

"Which is ideology? Which not? You shall know them by their assertion of truth, their contempt for considered reflection, and their fear of debate." ~ John Ralston Saul

"It is undoubtedly easier to believe in absolutes, follow blindly, mouth received wisdom. But that is self-betrayal." ~ John Ralston Saul

"Everybody dies, Tracey. Someone's carrying a bullet for you right now, doesn't even know it. The trick is to die of old age before it finds you." ~ Cpt. Malcolm Reynolds (Firefly, Episode 12)